The final 29er skiff dinghy Eurocup of the year always attracts the cream of the fleet. Once more, with 153 entries from 20 countries, the event proved to be very competitive and can easily be considered the 'Autumn Europeans'.
Three National Yacht Club partnerships made the journey to Italy and competed over the four days. After a strong qualifying series of six races securing many top results, all three teams qualified in the Gold fleet.
The best was, however, yet to come.
The Van Steenberge siblings, Clementine and Nathan, regularly finished inside the top 10 (12 out of 13 races), including a race win in the final race climbed them into second overall and top mixed team.
This outstanding performance wraps up a superb international season rewarded by a second place overall (and top mixed) in the Eurocup yearly rankings.
Nathan had a particularly successful month with three medals at the three events attended (Hungarian 29er Eurocup 3rd, 49er U23 Europeans 3rd and now the Euro Cup finals 2nd).
Ben O'Shaugnessy and crew Ethan Spain had an impressive catch-up, securing eighth overall. Lauren O'Callaghan and Crew James Dwyer had just an hour together the day prior to the event. They certainly sailed like a seasoned partnership to take 12th overall, including a race win in the Gold fleet and snatching second Mixed from the German opposition in the final race.
At home
Sailing activities have returned to the National Yacht Club platform after the cruiser lift out with Optimist, Feva, Topper and ILCA coaches running successful sessions afloat in great conditions.
The focus is to secure solid boat handling sessions whilst Europe is still enjoying some kind of Indian summer and before winter eventually settles.
The INSS Super Sprint Series was launched with NYC sailors taking part in the Aero and Feva fleets.
An open 29er clinic also ran from the club. The sailors enjoyed two great days under the guidance of NYC coach Tadgh Donnely and Olympic hopeful Seafra Guilfoyle.